The Dog Owner’s Responsibility to Prevent Worms in Dogs

The term ‘worms in dogs’ is used to describe many different internal parasites which can infect our pets. Worms in dogs can be treated with preparations bought from the pet shop or the vet’s and this should be done regularly. Responsible pet care and regular worming treatments go hand in hand.

In the UK there are two types of worms in dogs which are very common. These are roundworms and tapeworms. Sadly, because many puppies are infected at birth, roundworms are incredibly difficult to avoid. This underlines the importance of worming our dogs regularly, especially during puppyhood.

As worms in dogs go, roundworms can have serious consequences, despite the fact that many dogs which are infested will show no outward symptoms. Mature roundworms live in the intestines, where they feed on the contents. In other words, they eat your dog’s food! In cases of serious infection there can be dozens of roundworms living inside one dog. This is why in severe cases of infection, dogs will appear malnourished, tired and have a dull coat.

Roundworms can remain dormant in cysts inside the muscles of adult dogs. They then reawaken later on, often at times of stress. Very commonly, pregnancy awakens them and the larvae migrate around the body, infecting the unborn puppies. Even giving the mother dog worm treatment will not get rid of the worms in the unborn puppies. This is why worms in dogs treatments for puppies are vital.

Adult worms release eggs which are passed with the dog’s faeces, contaminating soil. Other dogs pick up the eggs from the environment. However, the most common roundworm in the UK, the Toxocara Canis can also infect children when they touch contaminated soil or sand pits. Worm larvae can migrate around the child’s body and will cause irreparable eye damage is they reach the retina. Because of the potential implications of worms in dogs for canine and hu8man health, regular worming treatment is a massive part of responsible dog ownership.